NATICK – Seventy years after Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, the French consul general bestowed the Legion of Honor, his nation’s highest award, on 11 veterans during a moving ceremony in the World War II Museum in Natick.

Addressing the “dear veterans,’’ Consul General Fabien Fieschi said, “It is our duty to honor the brave men who liberated France and Europe.”

Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honor confers the title “chevalier,’’ or knight on them.

Among those receiving the Legion of of Honor in Natick on Friday were:

George Weir, born in Cambridge, currently residing in Abington.

Hyman Cashook, originally from Quincy, and now living in Randolph.

Albert Berard of Taunton.

Cornelius Murphy of Lakeville.

At dawn on June 6, 1944, soldiers of the United States, England, Canada and Free French forces began one of the greatest military operations of all time that became a turning point of World War II,’’Fieschi told an audience of about 50 veterans, relatives, military personnel and public officials.

As Fieschi spoke, standing before Old Glory and the flag of Free France, the aged veterans, accompanied by wives and family, listened intently, as if lost in private reveries of their service that momentous day, D-Day.

“So many soldiers lost their lives and rest in cemeteries around Normandy,’’ Frieschi continued. “It is my honor and great privilege to pay tribute to the heroes who helped restore our freedom. We will never forget them.’’

The veterans – some using canes or oxygen devices – walked to the podium where Fieschi, speaking in French as tradition requires, pinned medals which bear the words “Honneur et Patrie’’ – Honor and Fatherland – on their lapels and embraced them.

Before the ceremony, Framingham veteran Arthur Cotton said, “I’m really looking forward to this. After 70 years, it’s really amazing to be honored this way.’’